Types of child custody II

Types of child custody II

6/2/19 Types of child custody II

Legal custodyA parent who has the legal custody of a child has the right and obligation to make decisions about that child’s upbringing. Both parents are granted legal custody of their children in the majority of child custody cases, unless one parent is determined to be incapable of making such decisions. When only one parent has legal custody, the non-custodial parent may not make important long-term decisions involving the child.

Physical custodyPhysical custody means that a parent has the right and obligation to have a child living with him or her. Most courts tend to award one parent sole physical custody, while the non-custodial parent has visitation rights. Even when it is determined that the child needs to spend time with both parents in order to thrive, courts are increasingly reluctant to award joint physical custody because of the disruption it causes to children.